The player Jude Bellingham said he 'couldn't get anywhere near' is now struggling after enduring a tough season. Bellingham, 21, is already one of the best midfielders in world football after an impressive start to his career.

The reigning champions will be drawn against either City or Celtic in Friday’s draw, with the two-legged tie set for February.

Real Madrid missed out on a direct qualification spot for the Champions League last 16 and could face Manchester City in the playoffs. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, however, is confident of successfully tackling whatever ‘obstacle’ comes in the next round.

Manchester City scored three second half goals to come back from the brink of elimination and advance to the UEFA Champions League’s inaugural knockout round playoffs following a thrilling 3-1 victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday night.

Jude Bellingham insisted Real Madrid would be ready for whoever they have to face in the Champions League playoffs and that the reigning champions are “starting to click” after their 3-0 win in Brest.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti explained why he brought off his midfielder Jude Bellingham during Wednesday's 5-1 thrashing of RB Salzburg in the Champions League

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was happy scoring in their Champions League win against Brest. Bellingham was also named man-of-the-match after the 3-0 win. He said later: "We feel really good in terms of how we took our chances and we were far more organised at the back. People are saying that the three up top worked well, so that's great.

Pep Guardiola said he cannot see Manchester City winning the Champions League on current form, but believes his side will be better when they face the might

Jude Bellingham insists Real Madrid will be ready for whoever they face in the Champions League play-offs, declaring that the champions

Manchester United have had many near misses when it comes to spotting young talent, but they may be on the verge of repeating their previous mistakes by missing out on Tyler Dibling

Real Madrid registered a comfortable 3-0 win over Brest last night to propel themselves up the league standings.It was Rodrygo who opened the scoring on the night through Luka Modric’s assist

Carlo Ancelotti's side cruised to victory in France, but results elsewhere mean they face a potentially tricky route through the knockouts